The Tararua District Council has concerns a proposed 30 per cent increase in the fire levy to fund the new combined Fire and Emergency New Zealand structure, will cost ratepayers.
And with Tararua rural fire crews well served by excellent equipment and resources, councillor Shirley Hull said she's worried the increase in the levy won't come with any increase in the level of service.
"I'm not happy with what's being proposed," she said.
The New Zealand Fire Service Commission has signalled intended changes to the fire levy, requiring a 30 per cent increase in funding from levies in year one of the merger between urban and rural fire authorities.
Tararua District Council chief executive Blair King said councils, such as Tararua, who have invested heavily in their rural fire services are very concerned by what is proposed.
"We're not very comfortable," he said.
"How is rural fire costs which were $22 million have now magically grown to $192 million? What is the rest [of the money] for?"
In his report to councillors Mr King said the levy increase in year one alone of $115 million implies the new levy is to fund a historic deficit in the New Zealand Fire Service renewal and capital programme.
"But, councils are already significant contributors to both the New Zealand Fire Service through insurance and also providers of rural fire and civil defence resilience," he said.
Cabinet has said the additional funding of $191 million over four years is to address gaps in rural fire services, including urgent capital upgrades, personal protective equipment and training, as well as providing additional support for volunteers, including incentives for employers and volunteers.
Mr King said Tararua District Council was providing input to the submissions.
"They are starting to understand the magnitude of the problem," he said.
Mrs Hull said she was "quite disappointed with the lack of respect to our community, [by the Fire Service Commission], by not making ratepayers aware of the extreme costs which come with the new service".
"It's been a bit wishy washy, we need to keep our foot on the pedal," she said. "This community has invested heavily in rural fire equipment and we need to be reassured we have the resilience our communities require."